Yesterday I showed you how I used parts from several beds to raise up this foot board to make a bench.You can see that post here: Jenny Lind Bed Bench Since I only had the foot board, I didn’t have anything to use as sides to make armrests.
When I gathered my parts for this bench, I started looking for a way to mimic the bed so that I could make armrests.
I dismantled some crib parts.
I also looked for something to use for the front legs.
Here we have the finished bench. It looks okay, but I think it would look better with armrests.
I cut the crib parts to the the actual armrest, and found some random chair spindles to help support the armrest.
During this “dry fit” I use a clamp to hold the armrest in place.
The armrest needed a couple of holes drilled into it to hold the chair spindles.
Still dry fitting them to see if it’s all going to line up and work. Do ya see my new level? I won’t be stepping on this one and breaking it.
This is the cut off end of the chair spindle. I drilled a hole for that small dowel.
Because my dowel doesn’t fit quite snug enough, I used Gorilla Glue to secure it. This glue expands and will fill that hole nicely.
I drilled three holes in the seat, two for the chair spindles and one for the armrest. I used Gorilla Wood Glue for this step.
In order to get all the dowels in place I drilled this hole all the way through the back of the bed. (In this picture I’m testing the dowel to make sure it’s snug)
To clear things up:
- I glued the chair spindles (top) into the armrests.
- I glued the dowels into the seat.
- On the far right there is a third dowel connecting the armrest to the seat.
- After I got all of that glued and situated I inserted (from the back) a dowel into the top of the armrest.
- I used an extra dowel to hammer it in so that it was in place in the armrest. I used the Gorilla Wood Glue on all of these joints.
This bench is made up of 3 beds, 2 cribs and a chair.
Hopefully, tomorrow I’ll be able to show you the finished bench (painted).
You can see the finished bench in the post Final Installment of the Jenny Lind Headboard Bench
gail
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Good Time Charlie
This is so fantastic, and unbelievably, I am pretty sure I have all those spare parts here too! Maybe I can make some Frankenfurniture this weekend!
Toqua's Crafts
Well, now I can see why you posted on FB that you were having some frustrations with this project! Your patience and perseverance definitely paid off though! It is fabulous!
Corn in my Coffee-Pot
completely wonderful!
I must say this-- and I know you'll be painting it; BUT... I think some stain on the seat and an all over sealer would be so sweet on this piece with all it's bits and pieces different shades of wood!
I'm sure when you're finished with it -- the end product will be absolutely gorgeous.
it was just a thought.
The Confetti Chronicles
What a great way to repurpose old cribs (and beds and a chair)! Looking forward to seeing the painted bench.
Kara
This is awesome Gail! I am going to have to make one when Rachel outgrows her crib. Thanks for sharing such detailed instructions!
Lori C
My thoughts exactly--HUMPH! Stoopy valentines day!
Love love love this bench! And I do love the colors you chose!
Love Of Quilts
I enjoy seeing the new ways that you come up with.... using old to make new. Happy Valentine's Day.
I Play Outside The Box
Amazing!!
Stephanie
I am always in awe on how you can pull those random pieces together and make them into something so spectacular. The curved part of the arm rests was genius on your part, can't wait to see it all prettified.
Carwin Candids
Wow Gail, you never cease to amaze me! I love your creativity and think that if I learn enough from you maybe some day my brain will come up with it's own ideas! Thanks for sharing! I love it!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
Yup, the arm rests put it right over the top! But seriously Gail, how do you come up with this stuff? You have an amazing vision to see a finished project and you know how to get there. Clearly you have that engineering gene! My husband and son are engineer and their minds just work differently. That's you!
Donna OShaughnessy
I am so impressed with your woodworking skills. When I see the work involved in something like this I am willing to pay a good amt of money to won it. Will this one be for sale or just for you?
Laurie LW
I wonder if I have my kids crib left? This is great!
Paige @ Little Nostalgia
It's probably a good thing that you don't live near me, otherwise I'd be trying to buy all of your creations.
Suzanne@Meridian Road
You're right. The armrests just complete it! It amazes me how many different parts have come together in this bench, and they all look like they belong.
My Cottage Charm
Girl your mind goes in places that scare me! lol I don't think I would have thought of putting all those pieces together like that...then again maybe I would have, my brain has a tendency to be scary too! lol š
Thanks for the anniversary wishes! I enjoyed hearing that you remembered that snowfall...it was a BIG one...not fun on your wedding day...or your kids Val day party! lol (but it must have been ok, cause we've made it 27 years and Jaimie turned out great!) š
Hope you have a wonderful Valentines Day...even if you do give it an umph! š
Love ya lots girlie!
Missy
PS...tell Jaimie I feel for her with the moldy bread! š
Korrie@RedHenHome
Yep, it does sound like a big puzzle! You're amazing.
Proper Prim
Gail, that bench is the best by far. I love it with the armrests. They just finished it off nicely.
Can't wait to see what colour you chose to paint it. It will look spectacular no matter what you do.
Loving the use of the pieces and thanks for such a detailed tut... you make it look soooo easy.
Fabulous job.
Hugs, Deb
Full Circle Creations
Great post. You did a great job explaining it all. It's like a big puzzle that you have to take your time to put together. Things like is are always my favorite to do. Knowing you can figure it all out and build it. Happy Valentine's Day! It's not my favorite either.
Holly
Michelle
Wow! That is so cool!! I can't wait to see what it looks like when it's all done!!
<3 Michelle
Nicole @My Thrafty Life
You are amazing, that bench looks great! Can't wait to see it painted!
Terri
How you figure all this out is truly mind boggling to me...your brain must never turn off! I am faced with a small "design" dilemma right now...I should run it by you, I am sure you can come up with a solution, lol!
This is looking truly amazing...I can't wait to see her all painted out! (I can totally see something "stenciled" on the seat...just sayin', lol)
Anonymous
Shirley said:
This is beautiful and I can't wait to see the finished product. Thanks for posting.
Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic
Wow, that was really complicated! Great job with the dowels, that will really make it sturdy.
Can't wait to see what color you paint it. This is going to be one beautiful bench!
Kat Bennett
This bench is truly a work of art- graceful and sturdy at the same time! Is the hard part figuring out what color to paint it? You put things together effortlessly. I'd want a whole handful of these just so I could paint them in different colors to see the effect! You are a wonder and I'm jealous!